Can You Give Witness Statements About Banned Drivers?

Q.

If someone was banned from driving for 6 months and during this time collected their son for contact on a regular basis can the mother give a witness statement?

He was never caught in the act of driving while banned. The police are saying conflicting things. One is saying that he has to be caught in the act, the other force is saying that a witness can give a statement of him driving whilst banned.

Which is it please?

A.

The incidence of banned drivers taking to the road is a growing problem in the UK, as is the growth of uninsured drivers. These drivers cost legitimate motorists money both in high insurance premiums and in higher council tax payments needed to provide the police with funds and resources to track down and charge them.

There are so many uninsured drivers out on the road now that the police have been given the power to seize these vehicles and have them crushed. If the person you think is banned is actually driving while under the ban, they will not be able to have insurance on their vehicle. If they are using someone else’s insurance, this will not cover them if they are driving whilst banned and so you can legitimately report them for driving an uninsured car. The police will look into this using their extensive resources and will take the matter further if needs be.

If someone has been banned and is driving while the ban is still in force then you must report them to the police. If this person was to hit you or another driver while they are banned, then no insurance company will pay up for a claim and the legitimate driver could end up going through the courts to get their own insurance company to pay up. That there is a child in the car adds to the importance of this case, as the child is being transported in an uninsured vehicle while driven by a banned driver, which is both dangerous and illegal.

If you are uncomfortable about reporting this person to the police directly, and wish to do so anonymously, think about giving Crimestoppers a call. They will take your information and investigate it, passing anything they find to the relevant authorities for further action. Although to carry out further legal action the police would need to actually catch the person 'in the act' as it were, your statement will make it easier for them to do so, especially if you can tell them exactly where he is likely to be breaking the law at any one time.

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